Joseph A. (Joe) Trannel passed away on Saturday September 28, 2019 at Mercy One Dubuque Medical Center in Dubuque, IA.

Visitation will be from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2019 and from 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. on Satuday at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, where the parish prayer service will be at 1:30 p.m. on Friday. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is in charge of arrangements. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2019 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Peter Snieg officiating. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Joe was born on May 5, 1949 in Dubuque IA, the second of six sons of Arthur L. and Bette V. (Vanderah) Trannel.

Joe loved God and served his parish in the past as a School Board member, Parish Finance Committee member, Choir member and parish CEW Director/Speaker. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #7527 of East Dubuque, and the Holy Name Society.

Joe was educated at St Mary School, Wahlert High School, Loras College (BA) and Drake University (MBA). Joe began his work career on the kill floor at Dubuque Packing Company, and later became Controller of the Company. He was then Vice President of Finance and CFO of The Durrant Group, CFO of Carlisle Communications, and Manager of Tri State Occupational Health. He also taught part time at NICC. Joe was a graduate of Leadership Dubuque and taught Project Business and served as a mentor for Junior Achievement of Dubuque.

He married the love of his life Mary Carol (Kactro) Trannel on September 11, 1971.

Joe loved to hunt, fish and play golf. He was a member of Lacoma Golf Club for over 40 years. He loved to go on annual hunting and fishing trips with his family and friends to Wyoming and Canada. He and Mary had a winter home in Mesa, Arizona, where he served on the Policy Committee of the Valley Palms Park. They traveled extensively since their retirement around the world, including Europe, China, Ireland, Africa, Guatemala, and Greece. They also went on many cruises to the Bahamas, Cuba, and Mexico together. They have sponsored a family in Guatemala for several years. He was a past member of the East Dubuque Drum & Bugle Corps. He was a member of the Dubuque Men’s Association.

Joe was a member of the Dubuque Noon Lions Club for 37 years, having served as their President, District Governor for NE Iowa, and a Trustee for the Iowa Lion’s Foundation. He had received the Melvin Jones Fellowship and the Warren Coleman Award. He was the chairman of the annual Lion’s Candy Day in Dubuque.

He is survived by his wife, Mary. He and Mary are very proud of their three Eagle Scout sons: Ben (Stephanie) Trannel of West Des Moines, Iowa; and their three children: Luke, Ella and Noah. Ryan (Robyn) Trannel of Stockholm, Wisconsin; and their two children: Gavin and Carolyn. Alex (Alexandra) Trannel of Solon, Iowa: and their son: Jackson. He is also survived by his five brothers: Jim (Marie) Trannel of East Dubuque, John (Mary J.) Trannel of East Dubuque, Jerry (Diane) Trannel of Batavia, Illinois, Jeff (Lauri) Trannel of East Dubuque, and Dr. Tom (Dena) Trannel of Onalaska, Wisconsin. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He is survived by his in-laws: Anne (Rick) Juergens of Decorah, Iowa; Mike (Heidi) Kactro of West Bend, Wisconsin; Barb (Bob) Larsen of Chicago, Illinois; and Sue (Rick) Thibadeau of Asbury, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws: Mike and Florence (Hermann) Kactro, and his godson Jacob J. Trannel.

Joe’s family would like to thank all of the medical staff for their compassionate care and support, especially Dr. Fred Johlin from the U. of I. Hospital, Dr. Eric Engelman from Medical Associates, Hospice of Dubuque, and all the nurses and staff at Mercy One Medical Center, in particular, Molly, Stephanie, and Peggy.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dubuque Noon Lions Club, and to support Pancreatic Cancer Research at the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. Contributions can be made payable to the University of Iowa Center for Advancement; earmarked in memory of Joseph Trannel and mailed to:

University of Iowa Center for Advancement
C/O Madeline Kerr
P.O. Box 4550
Iowa City, IA 52244-4550

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com.